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Understanding dermatology coverage in health insurance plans

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Are you are considering a visit to a dermatologist for a skin disorder, but not sure if health insurance covers the visit and any procedures that the dermatologist might prescribe? Understanding health insurance coverage can sometimes be tough. Use the information below to find out if there are health insurance plans that cover dermatology before scheduling an appointment with the dermatologist.

Contents

Are Dermatology treatments covered in health insurance plans?
What is Dermatology?
List of dermatology treatments covered in health insurance
List of dermatology treatments not covered in health insurance
- In a nutshell
Frequently asked questions

Are Dermatology treatments covered in health insurance plans?

Yes, dermatology treatments are covered under the health insurance plan. If you have an existing health insurance plan, you can file a claim to cover your treatment costs for skin disorders. You also have the option to choose Critical Illness Insurance Policy or Cancer Insurance Policy since it covers Dermatology treatments.

That being said, the extent of coverage can differ from one insurer to another. Most insurance plans cover hospitalisation expenses for dermatology treatment or surgery; however, they may not cover Out-patient Department (OPD) consultation costs and daycare procedures. There are some health insurance companies that may cover OPD consultations, daycare procedures along with hospitalisation expenses.

It is better to read the terms and conditions of the policy to know the coverage details for dermatology treatments before you finalise the plan.

What is Dermatology?

Dermatology is a medical science that is concerned with skin disorders. It is a medical speciality with both medical and surgical aspects. A specialist dealing with Dermatology is known as a dermatologist. The dermatologist diagnoses skin-related issues or diseases, and accordingly, prescribes the treatment. Health conditions that may affect the skin, hair, fat, nails and membranes fall under the ambit of dermatology. Here are some of the most common skin disorders.

Acne
Rash
Fungal skin infection
Scabies
Sunburn
Chickenpox, measles, etc.
Auto-immune skin diseases
Dermatitis

Treatment for these skin disorders can be medical or surgical. While some treatments may be affordable, some can be expensive. Dermatology treatments for skin cancer can be costly and dent your finances. With some of the critical dermatology treatments being expensive, it’s natural to think does health insurance cover dermatology treatments? Let’s find out in the following sections.

List of dermatology treatments covered in health insurance

Here is the list of dermatology treatments that may be covered by health insurance.

Acne
Skin cancer treatment and removal
Skin viral diseases
Rash
Reconstructive surgery
Skin fungal infections
Psoriasis
Skin allergies
Keloid scars
Port-wine stains
Poison Ivy rash

List of dermatology treatments not covered in health insurance

Here is the list of dermatology treatments that are not covered under a health insurance plan.

Cosmetic surgery
Botox
Non-accidental plastic surgery
Tattoo removal
Chemical peels
Fillers
Facials
Microdermabrasion

In a nutshell

Dermatology issues should not be ignored as they can only increase your concerns about your health. Medical treatment for skin disorders can be expensive and burn a hole in your pocket. Health insurance is an ideal source of financial protection against unforeseen health complications. Like all insurance plans, it is vital to read the policy’s terms and conditions to understand the extent of health insurance coverage for treating dermatology related disorders before buying a plan.

Frequently asked questions

Here are common queries about dermatology in health insurance.

Does health insurance cover cosmetic or aesthetic dermatology?

No, typically health insurance does not cover medical treatment for cosmetic or aesthetic surgeries except for accidental injuries. You may have to check with the insurer about the coverage details for the dermatology treatments in the health plan they are offering.

Is there any waiting period in coverage for dermatology disorders in health insurance?

Yes, there may be waiting periods for certain dermatology disorders before you can avail of healthcare coverage. In case you are suffering from skin cancer or disorder before purchasing the health plan, you may have to wait before the policy covers the specific treatments.

Is dermatology treatment for ageing skin covered in health insurance?

Health insurance plans may not cover treatment towards ageing skin since it can be considered as cosmetic or aesthetic surgery.

Does health insurance cover dermatology for hair loss?

Health insurance may cover hair loss caused by a medical condition, but in most cases, health insurance may not cover hair loss treatment since hair loss is not an emergency medical condition.

Does health insurance cover lipomas removal?

It depends on the health insurance plan that you have chosen. Please check your policy document for more details. You may also approach your insurer to find out the coverage details for lipomas removal.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions.